Photo Flash: Highway 57 Roars Through Paper Mill; First Look at Alysha Umphress & More in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES!

Paper Mill Playhouse's spring musical, Pump Boys and Dinettes, begins tonight, featuring James Barry (Jim), Gabe Bowling (Jackson), Julie Foldesi (Prudie), Jason Ostrowski (L.M.), Alysha Umphress (Rhetta) and Sam Weber (Eddie). Pump Boys and Dinettes is conceived and written by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann. Pump Boys and Dinettes will be directed by John Foley with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. Pump Boys and Dinettes will run eight times a week at the Millburn, New Jersey, theater through May 1, 2016. The official press opening night is Sunday, April 10, at 7:00pm. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the production below!

Pump Boys and Dinettes premiered off Broadway in 1981 and moved to Broadway in 1982 where it garnered Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for Best Musical. After the musical's successful Broadway run, it transferred to London's West End. Pump Boys and Dinettes had a record-breaking five year run at Chicago's Apollo Theater. Most recently, the show was revived at New York City Center as part of the Encores! Off-Center series.

Pump Boys and Dinettes is a musical full of joy‚ a little bit of heartbreak‚ and lots of hilarity. This visionary tribute to life by the roadside takes place on North Carolina's Highway 57. Somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna stands a rest stop. The four hardworking fellas at the gas station have been known to do some auto repairs‚ but only when aided by some great tunes and a few beers. Next door there's the Double Cupp Diner‚ where the Cupp sisters offer up their famous home cooking and gift for song. This musical is a celebration of life‚ love‚ Dolly Parton‚ and catfish!

Photo credit: Jerry Dalia

Photo credit: Matthew Murphy